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7
ment can be had at all the Infant Welfare Centres for
children under five years of age, and arrangements are
made to treat the remainder either at a school clinic or in
the schools. When children attain the age of five they
should receive one further dose, which in nearly all cases
will protect them for several additional years.
DIPHTHERIA
SWABS.
For many years it has been the practice
to examine Diphtheria swabs in
the Public Health Department; some
are also sent to the laboratory at Oldchurch and other
hospitals. I would draw attention to the fact that the
diagnosis of Diphtheria by means of swabs is a practice
which should be discouraged. If a child is sufficiently
ill to require a swab to be taken, he should be given serum
immediately or admitted to hospital. Much valuable
time may be lost in waiting for the result of the swab;
the process of investigation usually takes about 24 hours.
Of course, many occasions arise when swabs are taken
from apparently healthy noses and throats in order to
trace carriers or before sending children to such institutions
as convalescent homes, but this is quite another
matter.
CIVIL
DEFENCE
PERSONNEL.
Local Authorities are encouraged
and empowered to employ Civil
Defence workers in work associated
with the social services, and on many
occasions during the year members of the Ambulance,
First Aid Post and Mortuary personnel have been called
upon to assist at War-Time Nurseries and other activities
of the Public Health Department. The operation of the
Millbank disinfestor is carried out by the Mortuary
personnel, and now the gas/air analgesia scheme is in
full operation, assistance is given by Ambulance